UM Orientation
Fall, Winter and Summer Orientation programs UM Orientation events for all new students
The beginning of a new term is always exciting, but what makes it more special is that YOU are now joining us as a UM student!
No matter when you start your academic journey at UM there is a series of orientation events for you!
Get started online
Check out resources and tools available to you online that help with your transition to being a university student.
More orientation events
Many other groups host orientation events for students. We invite you to attend as many of these events as you find helpful.
Volunteer at orientation events
The continued success of UM Orientation relies heavily upon a team of dedicated student volunteers. Their ongoing dependability, teamwork, and time contributions don’t go unnoticed. Orientation Volunteers are the beating heart of the University of Manitoba’s orientation events!
Orientation Volunteers work under the supervision of UM staff on the Orientation Team and alongside their peers to ensure that events run smoothly. By helping to welcome new students with enthusiasm and warmth, they shed light on what it truly means to be a UM Bison.
Why volunteer?
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Meet new people and build connections!
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Receive a notation on your Experience Record!
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Gain experience and practice new skills!
Volunteer positions and duties
Tour Guide
As a Tour Guide, you will support new students in familiarizing themselves with Fort Garry Campus. Depending on the event, this could include:
Campus Tours: 30-minutes, scripted, for small-large groups
Personalized Tours: 30-minutes, unscripted (based on student’s Fall schedule), 1-1 or small group
Support for Self-Guided Tours: unscripted, wayfinding and providing directions to new students
Anticipated physical demands of this role include long periods of remaining in a stationary position and moving around campus, in both indoor and outdoor locations.
Competency Development Focus:
Verbal Communication
Teamwork
Adaptability
WAYFINDER
As a Wayfinder, you will be assigned to one or both of the following roles:
As a Wayfinder, you will provide support to event guests. Duties may consist of answering general questions, giving directions, and assisting with event navigation.
You may be stationed at an Ask Me table, Info Fair, or other key locations around campus.
You will greet students at sessions, presentations, and/or the Pep Rally. Duties may also consist of checking people in, answering general questions, providing directions, and helping to foster a cheerful atmosphere.
Anticipated physical demands of these roles include long periods of remaining in a stationary position and moving around campus, in both indoor and outdoor locations.
Competency Development Focus:
Verbal Communication
Initiative
Adaptability
Event Logistics Team
As a member of the Event Logistics Team, you will assist with the set-up and take-down of event materials. Materials may include tents, tables, chairs, signage, etc.
Anticipated physical demands of these roles include moving or lifting up to 30lbs, pushing, pulling, and long periods of remaining in a stationary position and moving around campus, in both indoor and outdoor locations.
Competency Development Focus:
Teamwork
Initiative
Adaptability
Volunteer eligibility
To be eligible for an Orientation Volunteer position, applicants must:
Be a current UM student.
Have started taking classes prior to May 2025.
Have an understanding of essential campus resources (locations and basic services).
Have been on and navigated Fort Garry campus.
Be available to volunteer at one or multiple orientation events and attend their associated training:
Ready to Roam
Training: Friday, July 25th, 2025, 5:00pm-8:00pm
Event: Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, 3:00pm-8:00pm
Prep Week
Training: TBA
Event: Tuesday August 26th & Wednesday August 27th 2025, 9:00am-4:00pm
Welcome Day
Training: TBA
Event: Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025, 10:00am-3:00pm
The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact us at orientation.volunteers@umanitoba.ca.
*Note: Eligibility will be confirmed by staff prior to interview invitations being sent out.
Volunteer requirements
Applicants are required to:
Attend an interview and a training session.
Complete a series of online training modules and practice for roles on personal time (max 3.5 hours).
Be available on one or more event days for a minimum of 3 consecutive hours.
As representatives of the University of Manitoba, volunteers are expected to help create a welcoming and supportive environment at orientation events.
Please be aware that each of the Tour Guide, Wayfinders, and Event Logistics Team positions may be physically demanding, and will involve long periods of remaining in a stationary position and moving around campus, etc. Excluding instances of severe weather, applicants will be assigned roles both indoors and outdoors.
Application and selection process
- If you are interested in volunteering at Fall 2025 Orientation, please submit your application using the following form: Orientation 2025 Volunteer Application Form.
Interview invitations will be extended to applicants after eligibility is confirmed.
Volunteer selection will be based on an applicant’s ability to meet the eligibility criteria and requirements outlined in ‘Volunteer eligibility' and 'Volunteer requirements’.
Volunteers will be selected on a first-come-first-served basis.
Don't want to miss an opportunity to get involved?
For questions about volunteering at Orientation or joining the UM Volunteer Program, contact
UM Volunteer Program Team
More resources
You may also want
Contact us
Orientation Team
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB, Canada
umanitoba.ca/orientation